Why So Many Questions.....
So Many Questions…
Have you signed up to take the SAT yet? Or maybe you’ve already taken the PSAT? Did you notice that there are questions about your grades, your interests, your intended college major, etc. in the registration? What’s up with all those questions?
The CollegeBoard Student Search Service
Those questions are part of the SAT Questionnaire. There’s also a box to opt-in to the College Board Student Search Service. By completing those questions and checking the box, you are giving permission for the CollegeBoard to provide your information to colleges and scholarship programs.
Why do colleges and scholarship programs want my information?
You are searching for colleges that are a good fit. Colleges and scholarship programs are doing the same thing – searching for applicants that are a good fit. One of the ways...
When Should You Take the SAT or ACT?
When should you take the SAT or the ACT? Identify which statement below applies to you to help determine the best timing for the test.
Juniors
Using the test dates for your personality type, plan your testing schedule for the next year.
Sophomores and Freshman
You will have the opportunity to take the PSAT 10 and PSAT/NMSQT later (11th grade)- so you will get lots of exposure to taking a standardized test. But, taking the real test is always a benefit! Which of these approaches works for you?
To Do:
Use GuidedPath to view test dates and create a testing schedule based on your personality type.
Do I Need to Take the SAT Essay or ACT Writing Section?
The essay portion of the SAT and the Writing section of the ACT are both optional. At press time, according to the Princeton Review, only 15 colleges require the SAT Essay and only 17 colleges require the ACT Writing section. Just a note – ALL of the University of California System schools require the SAT Essay. However, the odds are that if you are applying to colleges outside of California, it’s unlikely that they require the essay.
There are additional schools that recommend submitting the SAT Essay or the ACT Writing – and some schools do use this part of the test for placement purposes or other consideration. Therefore, it’s important to check with each school regarding their standardized test policies. You don’t want to find yourself shut out of applying to a school or being considered for a scholarship that requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing.
But if you do...
6 Tips To Reduce Your Stress and Help You Do Your Best On Your SAT/ACT
Standardized testing can be daunting! Follow these tips to reduce your stress and help you do best on your tests.
1. 3 Times is Enough
Plan to take the SAT/ACT no more than 3 times each. You should be done testing by fall of your senior year.
2. Try both the SAT and ACT
Take a diagnostic test or take the official ACT/SAT tests to see which one you prefer and/or do best on.
3. Start to Study Immediately
Don’t waste one of your tries before you’ve even cracked open your prep book. Know what to expect on the test and be familiar with the format.
Practice test taking strategies. Practice your weaknesses. Don’t waste time practicing your strengths.
4. Pick One Test and Stick to It
Take a diagnostic test to...
7 Tips To Ace The SAT
How can you ace the SAT? Here are 7 tips for you:
- Test Day Checklist. Get a good night’s sleep before the test. Be sure you arrive at the SAT prepared with the right tools. See TEST DAY CHECKLIST. Be sure to bring a protein snack, a watch, and an approved calculator.
- Consider Using Score Choice. Consider waiting to send your scores until you see them. You can send them to selected colleges later.
- Guess. SAT has eliminated the ¼ pt deduction for guessing and given you only four answers to choose from- just like the ACT. Eliminate as many answers as possible, then make a calculated guess. It won’t hurt your score.
- Brush up on Algebra 1 & 2. The SAT now emphasizes Algebra, with some Algebra 2 and Trigonometry. Not much Geometry. The math section includes many word based problems.
- Pace Yourself. Remember you have two sections to...
SAT Subject Based Test Questions & Answers
SAT Subject tests are based on the curriculum you have in class. It's an opportunity to demonstrate your mastery of a particular subject. According to the College Board,
"The SAT Subject Tests offer you an additional opportunity to show colleges what you know and what you know you can do. Many colleges use the SAT Subject Tests for admission, for course placement, and to advise students about course selection. Some colleges specify the SAT Subject Tests that they require for admission or placement; others allow applicants to choose which tests to take."
Make plans now to include SAT Subject tests as part of your college planning process.
